“Root Canal Day” Proposal survey

Abstract

OBJECTIVES

Many students graduate from dental school lacking confidence in non-surgical root canal therapy. Students are also extremely anxious before treating their first “endo” patient in senior year since they don’t gain any practice after the endo course officially ends the beginning of their junior year. We need more exposure.

METHODS

Conducted a survey among dental students from D1-D4 to gauge interest in having the “Root Canal Day”. The survey was sent out via email.

RESULTS and CONCLUSIONS

31% of students at the DCG took part in the survey.

1. Only 7 out of the 46, 3rd and 4th year dental students, felt they were somewhat comfortable performing NS-RCT.

2. Only 2, 4th year dental students, stated that they believe 1 semester of the endodontics course prepared them well to perform NS-RCT. I am 1 of the 2.

3. 71.2% of students agreed that they are very interested, and 28% of students stated that they were somewhat interested in attending the event.

4. 72% of students mentioned that they would still attend this event if they had to pay $15 while 28% of students mentioned that they would only attending this event if it was free.

5. 97.5% of students mentioned that they would still attend the event even if they must come in on a Wednesday afternoon.

IMPLICATIONS

Students need more experience in non-surgical root canal therapy. Having “RCT Day” will definitely aid in providing more exposure.